EnergICE Synchronized Skating: A Sisterhood Like No Other

EnergICE Adult Synchronized Skating teams sanctioned by the St. Thomas Skating Club, began their season on the ice in August for Choreography Boot Camp. It was an intense weekend of meeting new team members and learning their programs for the competitive season. This season EnergICE welcomed a total of 6 new skaters and 25 returning skaters to complete their teams. EnergICE coach Wendy Coombs said “from the moment the teams met for the first time in July, there was a synergy unlike other years. They became a close unit very quickly.”EnergICE practices once per week in St. Thomas for a total of 3 hours which includes both dryland and on ice training lead by Coombs. Over this past season the two teams have added 5 medals to their collection out of a possible 6 opportunities. Coombs reports that the teams’ success is multi-faceted. “Our manager Pat Wilson keeps us very organized and has a wonderful relationship with the skaters which helps them balance the demands of being adults and the desire to skate. Our skaters have a competitive nature and want to improve with each practice. Our teams also have a sisterhood of valued friendships which makes coming to practice a lot of fun. Further, the St. Thomas Skating Club has been a wonderful supporter of our efforts and without them, our team would not exist.” Just this past April 1st and 2nd, both teams travelled to Fort Erie to participate in the Skate Ontario Adult Championships competing against teams from across Canada and the United States. The Adult 3 team consisting of 16 skaters with 50% of the team being over the age of 35, earned a bronze medal. “This truly is the highlight of the year earning a seasons best score” added Coombs. The adult 2 team had 2 amazing technical skates but missed the podium at competition. This category was highly competitive. Coombs stated “the team had to make some major adjustments to their program just weeks before the competition to accommodate a skater injury. However, I am so proud of their effort and ability to take on the challenge. Winning isn’t always about earning a medal, sometimes its about not giving up. This is exactly what the Adult 2 team did.” The team will have skills sessions on April 23rd and April 30th from 8:00-9:00pm at the Timken Community Centre where they welcome skaters to try the sport of synchronized skating, get back on the ice or consider auditioning for next season. Their auditions will be May 8th and May 14th from 9:00-10:00pm at the Timken Community Centre. For more information can call coach Wendy Coombs at 519 851 – 6397. The team also has a facebook page titled St. Thomas EnergICE Synchronized Skating.